Currently the subject of a legal bust-up between it and Barnes & Noble the dual screen design (one 6-inch black and white e-ink display for text and a 3.5-inch colour effort along the bottom) ebook reader will cost $399 as compared to $259 for the Nook and the standard Amazon Kindle.

Unlike the Nook, that Android touchscreen is zippy. Worries about battery drain should also be avoided according to the makers as the Android screen automatically turns off when not in use, diverting the power consumption to the E-ink display.

The Spring Design Alex is due to start shipping on 22 February, we will keep you posted with related news in the meantime.